Columbia will host the 14th Annual International Festival recognized as a "top 20" event by the Southeast Tourism Society March 1999 and 2001 this weekend at the Cantey Building at the State Fairgrounds. Above is a photo of the Swedish Harvest Dance. Come see, taste and experience the world at the 14th Annual Columbia International Festival. The festival features an international food court, cultural entertainment from over 20 countries, 60 national exhibits, an International Bazaar, an International Fashion Show as well as a Parade of Nations. The Columbia International Festival has become one of the largest indoor cultural and international events in the Southeastern U.S. The festival showcases the cultural, racial and national diversity that exists within South Carolina.

The festival flag ceremony, called the Parade of Nations, will begin at 2 pm on Saturday, April 4. Participants in the parade wear traditional attire and proudly carry their own flag in procession. Approximately 60 countries will be represented in the National Exhibits section of the festival. Here, guests may see their names written in various Asian scripts, get close- up looks at Central American costumes, or talk to Europeans about places to visit on their next vacation. Guests can purchase souvenirs and gifts from around the world at the International Bazaar. Beautiful clothing, flags and festival T- shirts are among the many items for sale. Festival sponsors and various organizations that serve the international community will also sponsor additional exhibits.

Live cultural entertainment will be on stage throughout the festival. Organizers say guests in previous years reported that this was the highlight of their visit. The program is highly diverse, showcasing everything from classical music and traditional instruments to a presentation of Korean dance. The festival's International Food Court will surround the stage and the seating area. From baklava to egg rolls, and from curry to pizza, foods from 20 nations will be within reach to satisfy anyone's appetite. "You will not find a better variety of mouth-watering meals anywhere in Columbia!" says Dr. Aluri.

The United States is very diverse. One in eight or nearly 50 million people, living in our country are foreign born. More than 500,000 foreign- born people representing over 150 countries call South Carolina their home. The 2000 census shows that the Hispanic community has already become the largest minority in the USA.

The strong presence and growth of international companies in South Carolina is a testimonial to the state's reputation as a world- class center for commerce. In the past decade, more than 19 billion dollars has been invested in the state from international sources, creating nearly 58,000 new jobs.

The Columbia International Festival is important to the state's economy because international trade and investments play a major part in the state's economic strength. The festival also provides a family- friendly atmosphere in which to celebrate South Carolina's ties with the rest of the world.

Festival hours are 10 am- 7 pm, Saturday, April 4, and noon to 6 pm, Sunday, April 5. Admission is $5 per adult and $1 per child ages 6- 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Sunday's admission is free to the previous day's guests. According to Dr. Aluri, "This is a wonderful way to travel around the world without ever leaving South Carolina." For more information, call (803)799-3452 or visit www.cifonline.org.